Growing Christians

About

What We Believe
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

Open CommunionThe Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and is open to all.

Freedom of BeliefDisciples are free to follow their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.

BaptismIn baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.

The Oneness of the ChurchAll Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.

The Ministry of BelieversBoth ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

Our Staff

Reverend Bill Hemm – Senior Pastor
I was raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and grew up at First Christian Church in Jenks. Being active in camps, conferences, retreats, and regional youth council, I found a love for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1997 and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas where I graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. The calling to ministry was a slow process that eventually took hold of me. In January, 2007, I enrolled at Phillips Theological Seminary. I graduated in December, 2011, with my Masters of Divinity. In February, 2012, I was ordained at First Christian Church in Jenks, OK and I have been excited to be a part of the Forest Park Christian Church family of faith since 2012!

Diane McCrackin – SecretaryI am a lifelong Disciple and member of First Christian Church in Broken Arrow where I am active in many ministries. I began at Forest Park in 2016. Prior to serving in this role, I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Tulsa and worked in various professional and teaching roles at the University of Tulsa and in Tulsa area businesses and schools.

Terisa Cunha – Coordinator of Shared MinistriesI have been a member of Forest Park since I was a child and became a staff member in 2017. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. After working as a college advisor for several years, I shifted focus and have served in various volunteer positions within Broken Arrow schools and the church over the last ten years. I have served Forest Park in various capacities but most recently by chairing Personnel, Search Committees, Pastoral Relations and Fellowship and by serving as Board Chair and an Elder. I believe Forest Park has a lot to offer the community around us and I look forward to being a part of that work!

Steve Baggett – Traditional Music Director
I accepted Christ as my Savior at a young age and I have attended and been very active in church my entire life. Before coming to Forest Park in 2015, I attended First Christian Church in Tulsa where I served as Elder and Chairman of the Worship Committee. I have over 30 years of experience in Church Music Ministry and leading congregational worship. Over my years serving in the church, I have been in charge of a fully graded choir program with groups for preschoolers, children, youth, and adults and have produced cantatas, musical dramas, and plays with all ages. In addition, I have been a featured soloist in church and secular settings and I enjoy working with instrumentalists in enhancing the worship experience. Overall, I enjoy working with pastors and other leaders in selecting and preparing music and other elements for worship.

Becky Jones– Keyboardist
I am a life-long Disciple and was raised in First Christian Church, in Bristow. I have been playing piano in church since the age of nine and have an Associate’s Degree in Music. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and in addition to my work at Forest Park, I work as a licensed clinical social worker for a couple of nonprofits, in addition to maintaining my independent practice. I love music and encouraging youth to play which is something I have done regularly since coming to Forest Park in 2015. Music is always in my heart and always in my head.

Franklin Birt – Audio Visual Coordinator
My family joined Forest Park in 2011. I served as Contemporary Music Director and led the Praise Team before becoming the Audio Visual Coordinator in 2016. Outside of my work at Forest Park, I currently work with emerging technologies for hydrocarbon transportation and production with The University of Tulsa and I have written, produced, and performed professionally in the music industry in Tulsa and the surrounding area for more than 20 years. Forest Park has so much to offer the community, particularly families and children. I look forward to the opportunity it presents for me to share my God-given time and talent.